GOLF AUSTRALIA has released a list of the major components comprising the national golf handicapping system.
In a letter to Club captains on June 1, Golf Australia Chairman John Hopkins summarised the work done to date on the new GA Handicap System, and outlined the components of what is yet to be implemented. No firm dates or deliverable timelines were set, with only an estimate of “the latter part of 2013” given as a date for full implementation of the system.
“We have spent the past 18 months analysing all concepts contained in each of the major handicap systems in operation around the world,” the letter explains.” These systems include the European Golf Association Handicap System, the Council of National Golf Unions (i.e. British) Unified Handicapping System, and the USGA Handicap System. Along with some unique regulations of our own, we have identified those concepts we believe to be most consistent with the Australian golf culture and preferences. Our development process has also incorporated an ongoing program of extensive statistical analysis, as well as live trialling of the new Daily Scratch Rating system within a diverse sample of clubs across Australia.”
The letter then details the major components of the new GA Handicap System:
Already in Effect
- Best 8 of 20, multiplied by 0.93
- Anchor
- Immediate updating of handicaps
- No lapsed handicaps
Yet to be Implemented (click here for a full explanation of each)
- DSR (Daily Scratch Rating)
- Slope System
- SHA (Stableford Handicapping Adjustment)
- Handicapping of Conforming Social Scores
- Handicapping of Four-ball scores (will be similar to current regulations)
- Changed 9-hole regulations (9-hole score to be automatically held in GOLF Link for combination with next 9-hole score)
According to Hopkins, the next stage in the implementation pathway is to work with GOLF Link and each of the Tier 3 providers to establish all software change requirements in detail, which will be a significant and complex project. Completion of this stage will enable the GA Board to sign off on the new handicap system’s complete regulatory framework.
“We currently estimate that the new GA Handicap System will become fully operational during the latter part of 2013,” Hopkins wrote, stating that a firm date cannot be set until the mapping work with GOLF Link and the Tier 3 providers has been completed. The letter did state that further details about the final implementation date for the new handicap system will be made available in October.
“Whilst construction of a complete new handicap system is a significant undertaking, GA had initially anticipated an earlier implementation. Our priority however is to ensure an appropriate level of live trialling and statistical work is performed in order that we deliver to our constituents the most effectivesystem possible and in a cost efficient manner. We believe it would be contrary to the interests of Australian clubs and golfers to compromise on these objectives.”
A four-time winner of the Australian Golf Media Awards, including Best Photojournalism, Best Opinion, Best Column and Best Photographic Presentation, Inside Golf Group Editor Richard Fellner is the quintessential Golf Tragic, having played the game for over 50 years (but has never gotten any better!) He has played and reviewed courses all over the world, and has interviewed many of the great players of the game (including Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and Greg Norman). Richard is a member of both the Australian Golf Media Association and the Golf Society of Australia, and has been a featured guest on many Australian "sports talk" radio shows and networks, including ABC Grandstand, SEN 1116, Melbourne Talk Radio 1377, 2GB and others.
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